Knee Ligament Surgery at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Juhu
Knee ligament surgery isn't a single procedure - it varies with which structure is damaged. ACL reconstruction addresses the ligament most commonly torn during pivoting or sudden direction changes, typically rebuilt using a tendon graft. PCL reconstruction, less frequent but often linked to direct trauma like a fall onto a bent knee, follows a similar graft-based approach. Meniscus repair targets the cartilage cushioning the joint, stitched back together when the tear pattern allows healing, or trimmed when it doesn't. Many patients need more than one addressed at once, since a single injury often damages several structures together. Consult orthopaedic doctors at CritiCare Asia Hospitals for the most advanced ACL PCL surgery in Juhu, Mumbai.
When Is It Needed?
Not every ligament injury needs surgery - but a few signs usually point toward it.
- The knee feels like it's about to give way, especially when changing direction
- Swelling and pain persist well after the initial injury, particularly following activity
- Bending or straightening the knee fully becomes difficult
- There's a locking or catching sensation during movement
Physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medication are often tried first. If the knee stays unstable despite this, or if imaging confirms a complete tear, surgery moves onto the table. Athletes and physically active individuals tend to be advised toward reconstruction sooner, since returning to sport safely usually depends on it. Consult the best knee surgeon in Mumbai at CritiCare Asia Hospitals for more information.
How the Procedure Works
Before
Your surgeon reviews imaging - X-rays and an MRI - alongside your medical history and current activity level. Blood tests check for anything that might complicate surgery, and medications, especially blood thinners, get reviewed and adjusted. Building strength and flexibility around the knee before a knee ligament surgery, sometimes called prehabilitation, tends to support a smoother recovery afterward.
During
Reconstruction is performed arthroscopically in most cases - small incisions, a camera, and instruments guided through them. The torn ligament is removed, and a graft is put in its place, anchored into tunnels drilled through the bone. That graft usually comes from your own body (autograft, often the hamstring, patellar, or quadriceps tendon) or, less commonly, from a donor (allograft). Autografts carry a lower risk of rejection; allografts avoid a second surgical site. Which one suits you depends on age, activity level, and what your surgeon recommends after evaluating your knee.
After
You'll spend time in recovery as anaesthesia wears off, with pain management started right away. Crutches help with mobility in the first stretch, and weight-bearing is limited based on your surgeon's instructions. Physical therapy usually begins within the first week or two, starting gently.
Preparing for Surgery
Fasting instructions apply the night before, and loose, comfortable clothing makes the day easier. Arrange for someone to drive you home and help around the house for the first several days - climbing stairs or standing for long stretches won't be realistic right away. If you smoke, quitting beforehand genuinely improves healing. Mentally, it helps to go in knowing the surgery itself is only the starting point; the months of rehabilitation that follow matter just as much. Speak to doctors at the best orthopaedic hospital in Mumbai, CritiCare Asia Hospitals, for further assistance.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Phases
Recovery moves through stages, not a single timeline.
- 0–2 weeks
Rest, ice, elevation, and early movement to control swelling - 2–6 weeks
Physical therapy begins in earnest, focused on restoring range of motion - 6–12 weeks
Strengthening work ramps up, often including low-impact activity like cycling - 3–6 months
Light sport and normal activity typically resume, depending on progress - 6–12 months
Full recovery, with continued strength work to protect the knee long-term
Rushing any of these stages - particularly returning to high-impact activity early - is one of the more common causes of setbacks. Speak to experts at CritiCare Asia Hospitals to learn more about ACL/PCL reconstruction surgery.
Risks and Considerations
Infection, blood clots, and post-operative stiffness are the more familiar risks after a knee ligament or meniscus repair surgery, generally manageable with proper care and early mobilisation. Less commonly, the graft doesn't heal as expected and needs revision, or the knee remains unstable despite surgery. Nerve irritation and reactions to anaesthesia are rarer still. Discussing your specific risk profile - including any prior knee surgeries or existing joint damage - with your surgeon beforehand helps set realistic expectations.
Knee Ligament Surgery at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Juhu
Torn ligaments don't heal well on their own, and a knee that keeps giving way isn't something to work around indefinitely. At CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Juhu, the orthopaedic team evaluates each case individually - through physical examination and imaging - before recommending arthroscopic ACL, PCL, or meniscus reconstruction where surgery is genuinely warranted. Graft selection, whether from your own tissue or a donor, is discussed based on your activity level and long-term goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Recovery is supported with structured physiotherapy from the earliest stages, aimed at restoring stability and getting you back to the activities that matter to you. Visit our hospital for advanced ACL PCL meniscus repair in Juhu, Mumbai.